Helsinki Study Visit: One Health Perspectives 

Purpose of the Visit

The representatives of the Estonian University of Life Sciences and the University of Tartu participated in a hybrid study visit to Helsinki on 3rd of December 2025. The experiences provided them with both theoretical insights and hands-on understanding of how rapidly evolving technologies and changing resource conditions are shaping modern research environments.

Participants from Estonia

• Prof. Alireza Fazeli 

• Assoc. Prof. Kristi Huik 

• Assoc. Prof. Radko Avi  

• Suranga Kodithuwakku 

• Dr Subhashini Ralalage 

• Urszula Malińska-Mark 

• Amita Kulina 

Key Highlights of the Program

Discussions focused on the impact of fast-developing technologies and how these are transforming research and laboratory work. Participants gained a clearer picture of why universities need to adapt their research methods and capacities in response to these technological shifts. The visit also demonstrated how institutions can manage space more efficiently when funding is limited, including approaches such as reducing office and laboratory areas and increasing shared use of facilities. Another topic covered was Estonia’s strong research infrastructure and how it supports competitiveness in EU grant applications. The group also examined university fee systems, grant overheads, and strategies for attracting international students.

Participants were shown practical examples of innovative research tools and observed how universities organise and consolidate space to maintain smooth operations with limited resources. Seeing how shared laboratories and offices function in practice provided a direct understanding of the solutions discussed.

Key Outcomes for Estonian Partners

• Gained insight into how fast-developing technologies are transforming research and laboratory work.

• Learned the importance of adapting university research methods and capacities to keep up with technological changes.

• Observed practical ways to manage space efficiently, including consolidation of labs and offices and shared use of facilities.

• Reinforced understanding of strong research infrastructure and its role in enhancing competitiveness for grant applications.

• Explored strategies related to university fee systems, grant overheads, and attracting international students.

• Developed understanding of collaboration perspectives and infrastructure management through discussions and site visits.

• Learned about general approaches to advanced research techniques and sample handling.

The study visit combined online discussions and site visits, with a strong focus on collaboration perspectives and research infrastructure. Laboratory work was also addressed in general terms, including approaches to advanced research techniques and sample handling.

Warm thanks for the program and hospitality go to Prof. Ravi Kant, Principal Investigator & Adj. Associate Professor of Medical Microbiology, University of Helsinki.